FROM THE PIT TO THE CROWD: SHINEDOWN WITH POP EVIL AND ZERO 9:36 - LIVE ON THE LAWN - LOUISVILLE, KY - AUGUST 7, 2021

Louisville Kentucky is known for several things. Bourbon, Horse Racing, Mohammad Ali, and now the concert mecca. In 2014 Danny Wimmer Presents graced the bluegrass state with the inaugural Louder Than Life festival. Within five years it has grown into one of the largest rock festivals in the U.S. Within those five years Danny Wimmer Presents has fallen in love with the lively city of Louisville. He has formed two more weekend festivals (Bourbon and Beyond and Hometown Rising) and a waterfront concert series (Live on the Lawn). On a typical hot sticky August night, I wandered downtown for my first Live on the Lawn. The show featuring Shinedown and Pop Evil had an opener that surprised and excited the massive crowd.

Photo by Andrew Fore

While standing in a line that wrapped from the KCF Yum Center to the Tumbleweed on River Rd I heard the crowd roar and live music starting to play. Anxiety set in while looking at the ¾ of a mile line in front of me. Thankfully the show was perfectly placed. The acoustics of the overpass acted as an amplifier. Allowing those waiting in line to enjoy the music from afar. After the first few songs we all became confused, this wasn’t Pop Evil. Whoever was on the stage had the audience captured. The vocalist has smooth rap beats and an impeccable singing range. I racked my brain trying to connect the dots. Finally, I heard the beginnings of a song I have been loving on SiriusXM Octane “Adrenaline”. Zero 9:36 was the mystery band. I could see the stage from the line and could tell the energy brought was simply amazing. The crowd both in and outside of the gates were all rocking along with the hit song. Sadly, Zero 9:36 left the stage before I made it through the gates. From what I saw and heard this is a band you’ll want to make sure you see live! Follow them over at zero936.com. I did learn their setlist that night was:

iiXX
The End
Take Me Instead
Fade Out
In My Hands
WWYDF
Adrenaline

While scrambling to hit up the food trucks and drink stands the second band erupted onto stage. For the first time since shut down my horns instantly flew in the air as “Deal with the Devil” from their 2013 album Onyx vibrated through downtown Louisville. Founding member Leigh Kakaty greeted the crowd and thanking them for making the time to come out. He announced the next song is a new song, was very important, and we all should soak in the words. “Survivor” was as result of the pandemic and current world situations. It was a salute to those there to rock. The Pop Evil super fans sang every word. While those of us who hadn’t had the pleasure of hearing it, enjoyed a much needed come together song. With a relatively short setlist Pop Evil used every second to the max. The angsty mid-pandemic hit “Work” made me reflect on the past year and realize how lucky we all were to finally be enjoying hard rock again. Because let’s be honest, all most of us did last year was work. Chart topping hits “Footsteps” from the 2015 album Up and “Breath Again” from the 2018 self-titled album kept the crowd alive. “I can finally breath again” had a whole new meaning. One could celebrate having the current ability to be in public maskless, beating COVID, or just being able to take a deep breath because live music is back. Whichever was the case, everyone seemed to enjoy that song a tad bit more. By this time, the entire band was on fire.

Photo by Andrew Fore

And it is always a pleasure seeing the stunning and talented Hayley Cramer on drums. While making my way to my seat I overheard a little girl tell her mom “Look mommy the drummer is a blond girl like me! Does that mean I can be like her?!”. Yes, little rocker girl. Yes, you can, and I hope in 10 years I see you on stage like your new idol Hayley. Nick Fueling and Dave Grahs took turns during the set showing off the fact that a 21 month dry spell did not falter their ability to shred. Before the next song began Leigh spoke, announcing he’d like to bring some friends on for the next set. Zero 9:36 hops onto the stage and sang alongside Pop Evil for “Trenches” from Onyx. The theme of survival and perseverance was evident for the set. Zero 9:36 provided a fun element to the already popular hit song. Once the song concluded high-fives and hugs were given all around. Before concluding their set with my personal favorite “Waking Lions” Leigh asked who all had brought their kiddos to the show. Much to my surprise several proud parents screamed. Some even putting their kids up in the air Simba style. Pop Evil was elated to see kids in the crowd with their parents. Who doesn’t love seeing kiddos at shows? He thanked the families for doing the right thing and raising their kid’s metal. After the song concluded the band members sought out those kiddos to give them picks, setlists, and a few drumsticks. One thing I love about Pop Evil is they always take the time to make their audience feel loved. Whether it’s the 22 soldier salute or acknowledging their youngest fans; Pop Evil knows how to engage an audience. Catch them on tour now through Oct 8^th on either their Versatile Tour or at one of the amazing U.S. Festivals. Buy your tickets at popevil.com.

Photo by Andrew Fore

Their set list that night was:

Deal With The Devil
Survivor
Work
Footsteps
Breathe Again
Trenches (with Zero 9:36)
Waking Lions

The closing band needs no introductions. Unless you have been living somewhere in the stratosphere since 2001, you surely know a few songs by the one, the only Shinedown. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Shinedown has topped charts since the release of Leave a Whisper. The nearly sold out 20k+ crowd made it obvious the Louisville not only knows Shinedown, but loves them as well. Kicking off their set with “Cut the Cord” from their 2015 Threat to Survival. Shinedown exploded onto the stage with an impressive display of pyro and lights. Rolling right into the next song, like the master of the stage that they are, fans happily sang along to “Unity” from 2012 Amaryllis and “Fly from the Inside” from 2003 Leave a Whisper. Looking around to see the faces of the young and the old was awe inspiring. If there is one thing, I have learned going to several Shinedown shows it’s this; whether it’s your 1^st or your 100^th Shinedown show, you will without a doubt fall in love with them repeatedly. There is just something about this band. I for one had goosebumps throughout the entire show. From the first note until the last they will keep you captured.

Photo by Andrew Fore

Once the 3^rd song finished Brent finally greeted the crowd. Brent Smith is a 100% class act. Genuine to every soul he’s played for and incredibly talented to boot. The first words from his mouth were “Did you miss us?” The eruption was undeniable and probably heard all the way to Lexington. A cackle could be seen from the two long term band members Zach Myers and Eric Bass. Sadly, we learned drummer Barry Kerch had fallen ill and would not be joining us. Dustin Steinke from Sixx:A.M. was filling his very big shoes. Dustin was on point all night. Not only did he perfectly drum every song, his fun personality totally complimented the bands. In traditional Brent Smith fashion, he encouraged the crowd to hug and high-five their neighbors. There was zero hesitancy notated in this request. High fives and hugs could be witnessed from the front to the back. As the crowd embraced each other “State of My Head” also from Threat to Survival rang out. Before heading into any lover’s anthem, Brent made sure the ladies knew the song was for them. The squeals that came from the crowd during “If You Only Knew” from 2008’s Sound of Madness signaled that the ladies were not disappointed.

Photo by Andrew Fore

Hit after hit filled the air all night. Honestly this uber Shinedown fan was surprised she had a voice the following day. Especially after I was delighted by my all-time favorite Shinedown song “Diamond Eyes”. Fun fact Rocky himself, Silvester Stallone, personally asked Brent to write this song for his new movie The Expendables. He wanted a song to “not only personify the south, but what rock truly is”. Brent did just that. You don’t find a lyricist like Brent Smith but once in a lifetime. The line “I say goodbye to my weakness, so long to the regret, and know I know that I’m alive” really has a special place in my heart. After picking our melted faces off the grass we got to cool down with a lover’s favorite “I’ll Follow You”. Eric traded in his bass for a piano which gave Dustin and Zach a little breather. That was probably needed for Zach as he took the end of the song as an opportunity to show off his Memphis inspired guitar solo. Brent announced a film will be coming our way on September 3^rd. The film will bring to life the album Attention! Attention!. Being a Shinedown fanatic I could go on and on about this amazing show but can’t ruin every aspect of it. Shinedown will be bringing their amazing talents to several cities from now through October 9^th. Find a date closest to you and tickets on shinedown.com.